Our Favorite 18 Design Software You Haven’t Heard Of Yet

Collage of various design software interfaces showcasing creative tools

Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of design, staying ahead of the curve means constantly exploring new tools that can enhance creativity and productivity. While giants like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator dominate the market, there are numerous lesser-known gems that offer unique features and capabilities. Whether you’re a professional designer, a small business owner, or a casual creator, discovering the right software can transform your workflow. In this article, we delve into 18 design software options that you might not have heard of yet, each offering something special for different types of users.

1. PhotoDirector

PhotoDirector is an AI-powered photo retouching tool that excels in layer editing and object removal. It’s targeted at photo editors and graphic designers who need precision and efficiency in their work. With its intuitive interface and powerful features, PhotoDirector is a must-try for anyone looking to enhance their photo editing skills.

2. MyEdit

For beginners and casual users, MyEdit offers an AI-based editing experience right in your browser. Its simplicity and accessibility make it ideal for those who want to make quick edits without the need for complex software installations.

3. VistaCreate

VistaCreate is perfect for small businesses and teams, offering team collaboration tools and branding kits. It’s designed to streamline the design process, making it easier for teams to work together and maintain brand consistency.

4. Stencil

Stencil provides quick design templates and social media graphics, making it a favorite among marketers and social media managers. Its user-friendly interface allows for rapid creation of eye-catching visuals.

5. Snappa

With pre-made templates and a drag-and-drop interface, Snappa is designed for non-designers and marketers who need to create professional-looking graphics without a steep learning curve.

6. Lunacy

Lunacy is a vector graphics editor with UI/UX design tools, best suited for Windows users and UI designers. It offers a range of features that cater to the needs of modern interface design.

7. Pixlr

Pixlr is an online photo editing tool available in multiple versions to suit different needs. It’s great for casual users and photographers who want to edit photos on the go.

8. Canva

Canva is widely popular among non-designers and small businesses for its customizable templates and user-friendly interface. It’s a versatile tool that can be used for everything from social media posts to presentations.

9. Vectr

Vectr is a web-based vector graphics editor that’s ideal for beginners and casual designers. Its simplicity and ease of use make it a great starting point for those new to vector design.

10. GIMP

GIMP is an advanced photo editing software with a customizable interface, suitable for both professional and amateur photographers. It’s a powerful alternative to more expensive photo editing tools.

11. Inkscape

Inkscape offers vector graphics editing and supports multiple formats, making it a favorite among graphic designers and illustrators. Its open-source nature allows for extensive customization and community support.

12. Affinity Designer

Affinity Designer provides both vector and raster graphics editing, perfect for professional designers who need a comprehensive tool for their creative projects.

13. Procreate

Procreate is renowned for its digital painting tools and intuitive interface, making it the go-to choice for illustrators and artists looking to create stunning digital artwork.

14. Krita

Krita offers extensive painting tools and animation support, ideal for artists and illustrators who want to explore digital painting and animation.

15. CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW is a vector illustration and layout design software suitable for professional designers. Its robust feature set makes it a staple in the design industry.

16. Scribus

Scribus is perfect for publishers and graphic designers who need page layout design and print material formatting. It’s a powerful tool for creating professional-quality print documents.

17. SVG-Edit

SVG-Edit is a web-based vector editing tool perfect for casual users needing basic editing capabilities. Its simplicity and accessibility make it a handy tool for quick edits.

18. Photo Pos Pro

Photo Pos Pro is an entry-level photo editing software with available plugins, designed for beginners and enthusiasts who want to explore photo editing without a steep learning curve.

Conclusion

Exploring new design software can open up a world of possibilities, enhancing your creativity and efficiency. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a beginner, there’s a tool out there that can meet your needs and help you achieve your creative goals. Don’t hesitate to try out these lesser-known gems and discover how they can transform your design process.